Charity Office Worker Wins Payout through Workplace Injury Lawyers

Genevieve Bove contacted workplace injury lawyers when fluorescent lighting in her charity office workplace caused her to suffer from severe migraines.

Betheny Nunnington has more on the story…

Ms Bove, 48, from Wrexham, was struggling with crippling headaches at the charity headquarters due to the fluorescent lighting fitted, and had repeatedly asked her employers if they could change the lighting to aid her health.

Her employer Mr Gallanders refused the request and even went as far as to arrange a meeting with Ms Bove in a room that had fluorescent lighting, in the full knowledge that it would potentially trigger a migraine attack.

An employment tribunal heard how the chief of the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham has acted ‘reprehensibly’ by asking for an enhanced criminal records bureau check on Ms Bove, stating in a letter that:

“It might be a long shot but there may be something that shows up in this which may indicate she is unsuitable for the job.’’

The headaches became so bad that Ms Bove had no option but to quit her job and has since been awarded £21,177 for constructive dismissal, disability discrimination and injury to feelings. The Employment Judge, Barrie Clare said:

‘’We are saddened that our award for compensation will badly hit an organisation that works to assist carers in the community.’’

Lighting adjustments had been made in three previous places of employment for Ms Bove, for ‘just a few pounds’ she told the Daily Mail after the hearing.

 Workplace Injury Lawyers- Lighting Advice

There are guidelines for all aspects of the workplace environment with regards to an employee’s health and well being. Lighting is no exception.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has a page dedicated to information regarding lighting in the workplace. It states that:

‘Lighting should be designed for the tasks that individuals are carrying out within that environment.’

Studies have shown that allowing workers to have local control over their lighting can lead to an increase in job satisfaction and decrease stress levels in the workplace.

Sudden contrasts in light levels can be a problem because it takes the eyes a few seconds to adapt to the new level of lighting in that area. Changes in light levels should gradually change where possible.

The risks on employees’ health have to be taken into consideration when first setting up the lighting within a working environment. In a case such as that of Ms Bove, where her health was damaged and severely restricted her ability to work, there should have been some provisions made to assist her.

Need to Call Workplace Injury Lawyers?

If you feel you have suffered as a result of bad management within your workplace and have suffered personal injury as a result, you could be entitled to compensation.

Duncan Gibbins Solicitors can pursue your claim on the basis of a no win, no fee agreement.  Win or lose, you will not have to pay a penny for your claim for compensation.

If you feel you need workplace injury lawyers give Duncan Gibbins a call for a no obligation conversation regarding your claim, on 0800 0193 515.